Send us a text with your feedback here!

In this episode of The Real Family Eats, Dr. Taylor Harper, a child psychologist, mom of two, and children’s book author, joins Reesa for a refreshingly honest discussion about parenting, homeschooling, and real life in the kitchen. Skip the fluff and get the truth behind the chaos, challenges, and small victories of raising kids.

• Tips and mindset shifts Dr. Harper uses to manage parenting stress and stay present
• Honest talk on homeschooling, socialization myths, and choosing what’s best for your family
• How to handle big personalities in kids, including creative ways to channel energy (like WWE wrestling and throwing games)
• Real strategies for managing parental anger, apologizing to your kids, and fostering emotional connection
• The importance of finding small breaks, self-care rituals, and letting go of unrealistic social media standards

Don’t forget to check the links for Dr. Harper’s books and resources at the end!

From Dr. Taylor Harper:

Im a child psychologist who focuses on sibling bonds and sel. Im also a mom who lets my kids swear and normalize the struggle.

Connect:

@ drtaylorharperatbettertogether

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Cosmic Brownie Cookies

1/2 c unsalted butter softened

1/2 c light brown sugar

1/4 c granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp light corn syrup

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 c dark cocoa powder

1 1/4 c all-purpose flour

Toppings:

3/4 semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/4 c heavy cream

Rainbow chip sprinkles

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350F

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to cream softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and light corn syrup and mix on low speed until combined.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything can combine.

Add in baking soda and salt and mix for another 5-10 seconds until combined.

Lastly, add dark cocoa powder and all-purpose flour and mix on medium until combined.

Scoop dough into 1/4 c sized scoops, roll into balls, then gently flatten each dough ball into a 1/2" thick disc; this will help them spread instead of be puffy.

Bake at 350F for 11-12 minutes. Do not overbake. The centers may look a tiny bit wet but will continue to bake on the hot pan, allowing them to firm up without overbaking.

Allow to fully cool before decorating.

******
Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

Dive into Jason Tuttle's powerful story about parenting two medically fragile children and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, you'll hear firsthand experiences, practical cooking tips, and an honest look at grief and resilience.

• Jason's journey as a father to two children with severe neurological delays and medical needs
• The simple and adaptable Betsy's black bean chili recipe, including ingredient tips and why it's a family favorite
• Managing mental health as a parent facing ongoing crisis, including grief, anger, and the realities of self-care
• How Jason and his family coped with unexpected loss and the emotional aftermath
• The creation and mission behind "Letters to Zachary"—a grief resource platform for families navigating similar challenges

Don't forget to check the show notes for resources and ways to connect with Jason.

From Jason:

I am a married father of two kids with multiple mental and physical disabilities (some rare). I was a Stay-at-Home Dad for 12 years until my son suddenly and unexpectedly passed away from issues related to his needs on 01/28/22. Since the day my son passed, I created a website, FB blog, and community (Letters To Zachary) on grief that details my raw, unfiltered and open grief journey from a male's/father's perspective.

Connect:

www.LettersToZachary.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552174684952

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/letters2zachary/

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Betsy's Black Bean Chili

1 pound ground round

2 (15 ounce) cans no-salt-added black beans

2 (8 ounce) cans no-salt-added tomato sauce

1 (8 ounce) jar salsa, or to taste

1 tablespoon chili seasoning mix

Step 1

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and discard grease.

Step 2

Drain one can of black beans pour into a large pot over medium heat; add second can black beans, tomato sauce, salsa, and chili seasoning mix. Stir cooked ground round into the beans mixture, bring to a simmer, and cook until the flavors blend, 20 to 25 minutes.

******
Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

Parenting coach and mom of four Dana Parisi joins Reesa to share her family’s favorite Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe—and the real-life challenges of parenting through adoption, trauma, and busy schedules. Tune in for practical cooking tips and an honest conversation about building resilience and support as caregivers.

In this episode:

• Easy steps and pro tips for making a family-friendly Tuna Noodle Casserole ("Tuna Noodle Stinkle")
• Navigating the adoption process, its unpredictability, and its impact on family dynamics
• Dana’s journey from physical therapist to parent coach supporting families of kids with trauma and neurodiversities
• The real struggles of parenting, including meltdowns, embarrassment, and the importance of building your village
• Insights on self-care, vulnerability, and reframing discipline to meet kids’ underlying needs

Get more support from Dana at livestouchcoaching.com and check out the linked resources.

From Dana:

Dana is a mom of 4 (2 biological and 2 adopted) and through her own parenting journey, was humbled to realize she needed more parenting tools in her tool belt. This started a path that eventually led to her supporting other parents through parent coaching. Dana is passionate about working with families of kids who have persistent challenging behaviors as a result of early life trauma, neuro-diversity or mental health struggles.

Connect:

https://www.livestouchedcoaching.com/#/

https://www.instagram.com/dana.parisi/

https://www.facebook.com/livestouched

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-parisi-157758210/

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Tuna Noodle Casserole

15 oz macaroni or corkscrew noodles cooked and drained

10 oz chopped frozen broccoli thawed

1-2 tsp minced onion

1 can cream of broccoli (or celery) soup

1 can broccoli cheese soup

1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 large can tuna, rinsed and drained

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Mix together, put into a buttered casserole dish

back at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.

* add crunched up chips on top, cheddar ruffle potato chips are are favorite

* add hot sauce if you like it spicy!

******
Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

On this episode of The Real Family Eats, host Reesa sits down with Bambi, a mother of six and grandmother of thirteen, to talk about the real challenges and rewards of parenting through every stage of life. Bambi shares honest insights from her journey as a single mom, her experiences with homeschooling, military parenting, and keeping family traditions alive.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

• Bambi’s personal story as a single mom of six, including how she navigated raising kids and reinventing herself after becoming an empty nester.
• The realities and emotional challenges of having children in the military and the unique transitions that come with it.
• Reflections on motherhood, letting go, and supporting adult children as they start their own families and set their own traditions.
• Bambi’s advice on navigating tricky relationships with in-laws, and how to handle boundaries and expectations as new generations grow.
• The importance of sharing vulnerable parenting moments, plus Bambi’s family-favorite coffee cake recipe and the significance of family recipes in keeping loved ones close.

Connect with Bambi:

healingthroughstories.com

facebook-bambi lynn,

IG-lynn.bambi Tiktok-healing through stories[bambi]

linkedin-bambi makowski

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Grandma's Coffee Cake

3/4butter 2eggs

1 1/2 cups of sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla

3 cups of flour

1 1/2 cups of sour cream

1 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon bp mix and put half in bunt pan

Then add brown sugar, chocolate chips, and cinnamon. repeat and then top again

Cook for 30 to 40 minutes, on 350

******
Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

Join us on The Real Family Eats as Reesa chats with Courtney Boylan, founder and CEO of Lelo, about her real experiences with postpartum life, parenting, and making self-care a priority. Discover a family-friendly energy ball recipe and practical advice for navigating the chaos of parenthood.

• How Courtney’s postpartum journey inspired her to start a company for moms
• The versatile and easy energy ball recipe every busy parent should try
• Real talk on postpartum expectations vs. reality (including mental health)
• The importance of self-care, date nights, and maintaining relationships after kids
• Why it’s crucial to advocate for yourself and trust your parental instincts

Watch now for actionable tips, honest stories, and a community that keeps it real!

From Courtney:

I’m Courtney, the founder of Le Lolo, a brand redefining postpartum with beautiful, functional accessories for new moms. As a mom of three, I know firsthand how overwhelming those early days can be, and I’m on a mission to help new moms feel more supported, confident, and celebrated.

Connect:

Www.WeAreLeLolo.com

@WeAreLeLolo

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Energy Ball Recipe Courtesy of:

https://www.wellplated.com/energy-balls/#wprm-recipe-container-33259

Make them to your liking, but I use coconut, chopped cranberries, chopped almonds, almond butter as mix-ins

________________________

******
Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

In this episode of The Real Family Eats, host Reesa sits down with JP, a single father, to discuss co-parenting, personal growth, and a special family dessert recipe. JP shares his honest journey through divorce, healing old wounds, and redefining what it means to be a dad.

• The challenges and realities of co-parenting after a breakup, especially from a father's perspective
• How childhood trauma and family patterns shape adult relationships and parenting
• JP’s step-by-step process for emotional healing, communication, and setting boundaries
• The impact of loss and grief on personal transformation and parenting style
• A simple, beloved family dessert recipe that’s both versatile and meaningful

Hit subscribe for more real conversations about family, food, and growth!

From JP:

42 year old Single Girl Dad to a 10 year old. I'm a healthy co-parenting relationship.

Connect with JP:

https://www.instagram.com/jpmrsh?igsh=Ym1lbmZzMGJvNXk1

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Recipe shared courtesy of:

https://www.kimscravings.com/chocolate-delight/

******
Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

Dive into a real, honest conversation about parenting, big emotions, and finding the right support for unique kids. In this episode, Andi Clark shares her journey from burnout to becoming a sleep, stress, and executive functioning coach—plus, she offers a family-favorite sweet potato chickpea curry recipe.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Andi’s personal story overcoming burnout and supporting her children through emotional and academic challenges.
• The signs and impact of burnout on both parents and kids.
• Insights into executive functioning, masking, and why some kids struggle in traditional school systems.
• Practical tips for helping children with big emotions, perfectionism, and learning differences.
• How Andi’s support community and podcast can help parents on similar journeys.

Check the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode!

From Andi:

Remember those moments when your child was yelling in your face in public? Or having a panic attack? Or clinging to your side at a birthday party (if you even managed to get them out the front door)?

I’ve been there too.

I know what it’s like to stay at events and activities long after other parents have left, just in case my son had an outburst.

I’ve felt that loneliness, wondering how to help my child, feeling like every other kid had it together except mine.

Here’s the thing—you’re not alone.

There are so many kids out there just like our little firecrackers, and just as many parents feeling exactly the way we do.

My hope is that by sharing my story, experience and training through the years that you’ll gain the tools you need to understand your child’s needs and help them sooner than I did with a lot less mistakes.

Sleep, Stress , Trauma Informed & Executive Functioning Coach for Kids With Big Emotions. 30 years in the coaching world.

Connect with Andi:

https://andiclark.com/podcast/

https://www.instagram.com/kidswithbigemotions/

*******

Recipe shared courtesy of:

https://abbylangernutrition.com/incredible-good-vegan-sweet-potato-chickpea-curry/

******
Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

Get practical insights on step-parenting, family dynamics, and personal growth in this episode featuring Amy Stone from "The Art of Imperfect Adulting." Amy shares real-life stories, challenges, and tips for navigating blended families and big life transitions.

• How Amy became a stepmom and the unexpected challenges that came with it
• The importance of redefining family roles and creating new traditions in blended families
• Practical strategies for communication, boundaries, and managing complicated family schedules
• Personal experiences navigating grief and how community support plays a role
• Lessons learned about self-growth, therapy, and navigating tough parenting moments

Watch now to learn how real families face real challenges with honesty—and a little humor.

From Amy:

Amy Stone is a coach or mentor, author and podcaster. She is the creator of The Art of Imperfect Adulting and Stepparent Success School. Amy understands that being a grown up can sometimes be tougher than expected. In her own experience “adulting” she sometimes struggled to find the education, support and community she was looking for and so she began to do her part to create those resources for herself and others.

Connect with Amy:

The Art of Imperfect Adulting

https://feeds.captivate.fm/imperfect-adulting/

IG

https://www.instagram.com/theartof_imperfect_adulting

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Pom Mocktail

Lemon Flavored Fizzy water (I choose La Croix but anything works) with a splash of pomegranate juice and if you want a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice. Over ice in a pretty glass.

******
Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911